I had bad heel pain when I was in my 30’s and Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in individuals. The condition is caused by inflammation of the tissue that runs from your heel to your toes across the bottom of your feet.
What I have learned is that finding the right shoes can relieve the pain for those people who have to spend large periods of time on their feet or who do a lot of walking.
Plantar Fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused when the ligament that runs from the heel to your toes across the arch of your foot becomes inflamed. People, who have this condition, may suffer from flare-ups periodically or may have ongoing pain simply from walking.
From my experience, while there are some effective treatments that can help to relieve and heal this condition, finding the most shoes for plantar fasciitis is one of the most important factors in both recovering and preventing it from coming back again.
If you are having heel pain as I did, below is the list of best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis that can relieve your heel pain and help you heal faster. Here’s the top 5 of our picks follow by a complete list of recommended shoes for your heel pain.
Orthofeet Women’s Sneakers
A great pair of shoes designed for walking with a removable insole and lots of cushioning. Orthopedic shoes are designed to aid people who suffer from painful foot issues. This Orthofeet sneakers are our top picks for plantar fasciitis.
Enjoy a more comfortable walk in these Orthofeet Women’s sneakers. One of the best choices for heel pain, the shoes have removable arch support that allows you to customize your level of support and comfort.
The footwear features roomy toes for extra space especially for those who also are afflicted with hammer toes.
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Who is this for?
These shoes are great for women who suffer from various foot conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis, bunions, or who are diabetic. They are also good for those individuals who are trying to avoid future foot problems.
User Experience
These Orthofeet women’s sneakers get good reviews with the majority of users really liking these shoes and finding that they do relieve foot pain from several different causes.
They also like the fact that these shoes have a removable insole in case the arch support is uncomfortable. Younger users like the fact that these shoes are orthopedic without looking or feeling clunky.
- FAQ: Do these shoes have regular shoelaces? A. Yes
- FAQ: Is the arch firm? Yes
- FAQ: Are the insoles removable? Yes you can remove the insoles
Verdict
These Orthofeet women’s sneakers are specifically designed for women who suffer from foot problems. Several users expressed that they were able to walk a couple of miles comfortably for the first time in years. Although these shoes are by no means inexpensive, they are a good value for orthopedic shoes.
I’ve worn these shoes for 3 years and they are just as comfortable as I would like them to be. They have a good return policy if something went wrong. Overall, I’m very impressed with the Orthotic Comfort Shoe. I have been wearing this shoe for years and have never liked any changes.
New Balance Women’s WX608v4
This performance-focused walking shoe is designed for people suffering from heel pain so they can go back to a normal day to day routine, pain hassle-free.
Made from 100% real leather, this shoe features a rubber sole as well as a supportive internal shank and shock-absorbing midsole to cushion your feet with every step you take.
These shoes are from New Balance’s 608 V4 series. They were very comfortable when they were first purchased. Since their toes are a bit pointed, I had to buy them a size larger than I usually wear. This allowed me to use their arch support.
They have done a great job helping me with my plantar fasciitis. The tongue and back of the shoes are very comfortable.
Orthofeet Proven Relief of Foot and Heel Pain
Usually, I don’t order shoes online since I am very particular about my feet. However, I did try these on to see how they felt.
These real leather dress shoes are specifically designed to assist people suffering from heel pain so they never again have to worry about the pain that keeps them from doing what they want to do.
Featuring high-quality construction, these incredibly comfortable and classically designed orthopedic shoes are guaranteed to offer a new solution for anyone dealing with plantar fasciitis.
Since I have experienced Plantar fasciitis, I have worn Orthofeet several times and have been pleased with their results. After trying on the shoes, I was not disappointed at all. They felt great. Not only did they feel great, but they also felt like I was wearing them for months.
Birkenstock Essential Unisex Arizona Sandals
The Birkenstock Essential Unisex Arizona Sandal will keep your feet cool and relieve Plantar Fasciitis pain during those hot summer months. These sandals come in a wide variety of fun colors making them perfect for summer wear.
This one works great during the summer. The Birkenstock Essential Unisex Arizona Sandals are lightweight, breathable sandals that support your feet in style.
They are remarkably comfortable and waterproof, making them a good choice for hiking or spending time outdoors without irritating your symptom.
- The legendary two-strap design from BIRKENSTOCK - the Arizona. Modeled on the...
- Anatomically shaped BIRKENSTOCK footbed made from EVA
- Upper/lining/sole: one piece molded EVA
- Details: two straps, each with an individually adjustable pin buckle;...
Who is this for?
These sandals are perfect for women who are looking for the most comfortable walking sandals that can be worn at the beach, shopping, and even for off trail hiking adventures.
User Experience
User reviews for the Birkenstock Essential Unisex Arizona Sandal are exceptionally good. Users find that these shoes are great for summer wear or as slippers.
They find that these sandals are comfortable, waterproof, and relieve the heel pain for many users. Users also like that these shoes have great cushioning even when wet and easy to keep clean by just rinsing off.
- FAQ: Do these sandals fit like the leather Birks? A. Yes, the fit is pretty much the same
- FAQ: Will these sandals cause blisters? A. None has been reported
- FAQ: Do these sandals mold to your feet? A. No they pretty much keep their form
Verdict
Since I was never a fan of the expensive Birkenstocks, these were my first attempt at trying out the comfort and engineering of these shoes. I will be reviewing some of the other Birkenstocks that I have bought.
Surprisingly, these are very comfortable and look great on their own. However, I would add that the black ones are a bit too leather-like for most people. I have worn them to work and have no problems with them going out and about. If you have heel pain but need a pair of sandals, these are for you.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 18
These shoes were named Gel-Nimbus because the gel cushioning in these shoes makes you feel like you are walking on clouds. ASICS is very popular among runners. Let’s take a look at why that is:
The gel inside of the ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 18 makes them a great fit for active people. The sneakers offer ample support and cushioning, especially in the sole.
Due to the soothing gel, each step is shock-absorbed and offers the feeling of walking on air.
- FluidRide Midsole: FluidRide provides the ultimate combination of bounce back...
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems: Attenuates shock during impact and...
- FluidFit Upper: ASICS FluidFit upper technology combines multi-directional...
- Heel Clutching System Technology: Exoskeletal heel counter provides improved...
Who is this for?
These shoes are great for women who are looking for a shoe with great cushioning. They are especially nice for heavier women who need to spend long hours standing on their feet and suffer from foot pain due to issues with their feet or their weight.
User Experience
These ASICS women’s Gel- Nimbus 18 running shoes get good reviews. The vast majority of users really like these shoes and feel that these shoes have so much cushioning that they feel as though they are walking on air.
They also like how much support these shoes have especially in the heel area and the fact that they can walk in these shoes for hours without their feet feeling tired or hurting.
- FAQ: Are these shoes good for women with knee pain? A. Yes, the cushioning in these shoes ease all types of foot, ankle, knee, and back joint pain.
- FAQ: Do these shoes offer good arch support? A. The arch support on these shoes is neutral
- FAQ: How these shoes at relieving Plantar Fasciitis pain? A. Users with Plantar Fasciitis report that these shoes offer excellent support that helps relieve the pain of this and other foot conditions.
Verdict
The ASICS women’s Gel-Nimbus 18 running shoes get good reviews. Users feel that shoes are good for walking long distances, working, and running even for women who suffer from foot pain.
Women with heel pain as well as knee joint problems find that the support these shoes offer can help relieve the pain to the point that some users almost forget they suffer from these issues.
I almost returned them thinking that they were a bit too pillowy. After wearing them for a while, the foot started to form and the pillowy feeling went away.
From my experience, getting rid of my sandals and starting to wear these shoes helped my heel pain to get better. I couldn’t run the treadmill for a long time but now I can do it again.
Propet Women’s Travelfit Slide Walking Shoe
The Propet Women’s Travelfit Slide walking shoes are great slip-on shoes that come in a wide variety of sizes and are extremely stylish looking.
The Propet Women’s Travelfit Slide Walking Shoe is a quick slip-on pair of very comfortable walking shoes, thanks to the ample support both around the soles and the heels. The supportive, yet spacious shoes are ideal for those whose feet tend to swell a bit.
- Wide widths
- Flexible sole
- Breathable mesh upper
Who is this for?
These Propet Women’s Travelfit Slide walking shoes are perfect for women whose feet tend to swell. The adjustable elastic on the top of the shoe can be adjusted as the feet swell throughout the day. If you looking for a quick slip-on for your day, these can be your best walking shoes for heel pain.
User Experience
These Travelfit Slides walking shoes get good reviews. The vast majority of users love the fact that these shoes just slip on and off.
These shoes are comfortable even for women whose feet swell due to diabetes or standing on the feet all day. They also have enough cushioning and support to ease foot and heel pain.
- FAQ: Can these shoes be worn to the beach? A. Yes, they are not waterproof, but they are comfortable when walking in the sand.
- FAQ: Do these shoes feel heavy on the feet? A. No, they are actually very lightweight
- FAQ: Can the insoles for these shoes be removed? A. Yes
Verdict
These Profit Women’s Travel fit Slide Walking shoes are not only great shoes for women who have difficulty with their feet swelling, but also are great for women who have wider feet.
These shoes are comfortable enough for all day wear and appear to be durable making them a good value for the price.
I had this pair for a very short time because I upgraded to Orthofeet. However, in my experience, these shoes are very comfortable and look great on them, and they’re also lightweight. I’ve never bought Propet before but will definitely do so in the future.
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Ora Recovery
Designed with absolute comfort and a casual style in mind, these sandal shoes are made to cushion the blow of every step taken with their incredible cushioned design.
Their dual-layer construction features both a soft top layer mixed with a resilient bottom sole to guarantee maximum comfort even over long periods of time.
If you’ve ever suffered from plantar fasciitis, then these slides can help. They’re very durable and can help minimize the pain that comes with this condition.
After working for a couple of months, its shorts and slides became uncomfortable for me. I was wearing other brands’ slides because I was not getting any better.
Hoka is not a mainstream brand for Plantar Fasciitis, but after hearing about how good they are, I decided to give them a try. I love how these slides are helping with my plantar fasciitis, and I can’t wait to use them again.
KEEN Men’s Targhee II
This pair of men’s hiking boot has been created to provide maximum comfort and support with its cushioned interior, rubber sole and easy pull on design.
Not only can they handle heavy treks through the wilderness but they can also be used to treat people suffering from conditions such as plantar fasciitis so they can enjoy all of their usual hobbies and activities without the pain and hassles on their feet.
They also feature a lugged outsole, contoured heel lock, and dual-density compression outsole.
I got these toward the end of my Plantar Fasciitis. When I was shopping for shoes for my heel pain, I needed to make certain that they were a good fit because I was recovering pretty well already. I am glad that I found these boots.
These were incredibly comfortable and well-fitting. They were also easy to wear on a hiking trip, and I spent the entire time enjoying the experience.
This pair of shoes is truly remarkable, as I was able to forget that I was wearing brand new shoes. Both the heel and toe pads support and protect both feet.
Vionic Gemma Mule Slipper
These slippers were my go-to in-house slippers during my 7 months of treatment for plantar fasciitis. They helped support my feet and prevented pain while I was walking around the house.
Since I wear socks and go barefoot in my slippers, I ordered a size 10. However, due to the loose-fitting socks, I was forced to exchange them for a size 9.
I was worried that these would get stained due to the tan terry sole. However, I was able to use Shout Wipes to get rid of these stains.
Since I no longer have plantar fasciitis, these shoes have been very helpful to me. I am planning on ordering another pair in light pink.
This pair of women’s slippers is a spa-quality home shoe designed to provide maximum comfort with every step you take around the house.
Featuring VIO motion support, these slippers adapt to your feet every time you move to ensure they flow gently and cushion the blow of each and every motion.
Their incredibly gentle design is perfect for either relaxing at home or for people suffering from painful heel conditions. These slippers can be used to prevent foot pain at an affordable price.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 22
These are just as good as the previous versions. I’ve run a few hundred miles with them and they’re as good as the previous ones. I’m not sure if they’re better or worse than the previous ones, but they’re definitely better.
Nimbus are my go-to running shoe since I first bought them. They’re always worth the money and are usually worn out before they need replacing.
Ultraboosts are great for cushioning but they lack the support and structure needed to make a running shoe stand out. I’ve worn every type of shoe that has the same effect on the ground as the Nimbus.
These shoes feature a synthetic with mesh construction and a foam sole designed for people suffering from conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions or hammertoes.
In my experience, walking without proper support can be incredibly painful and conditions such as these can prevent people from going where they need to go.
That’s why these shoes have been constructed with meticulous detail to ensure the best possible support every step of the way. I would recommend these, they are good for people with both low and high arches.
Related: Top 10 Best Running Shoes for High Arches
ASICS Gel-Kayano 24 Running Shoe
My feet have been suffering from plantar fasciitis over quite a long period of time. I bought these shoes for my running shoes and they are well worth the money. They also broke in quickly but they are well worth the money.
This ASICS Gel-Kayano 24 running shoe is a stylish running shoe that offers support for both long and short runs as well as for working and walking long distances.
Their design features a roomy toe box as well as plenty of support around the heels and the soles with a bit of a hug around the heels to keep them from sliding around for a better fit.
- Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
- I.G.S (Impact Guidance System) Technology: ASICS design philosophy that employs...
- Fluid Ride Midsole: Fluid Ride provides the ultimate combination of bounce back...
- Fluid Fit Upper: ASICS Fluid Fit upper technology combines multi-directional...
Who is this for?
These shoes are for women who enjoy running, jogging and walking, but need a well-cushioned and supportive shoe due to such foot problems.
User Experience
These ASICS Gel-Kayano 24 running shoes get good reviews. The majority of users find these shoes to be both cute and comfortable.
Several users who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis claim that these shoes offer just the right support and cushioning needed to relieve pain.
- FAQ: How do these shoes compare to the Kayano 21 running shoe? A. They are actually more comfortable to wear.
- FAQ: Can these shoes be used for trail running? A. Yes, they are good for all types of running
- FAQ: Are these shoes true to size? Yes
Verdict
In my experience, ASICS Gel-Kayano 24 running shoes are comfortable and stylish and provide a good deal of cushioning and support which runners need.
The roomy toe box prevents toes from feeling cramped and the heel hugging features prevent your heel from sliding around causing pain and blistering.
What To Look for in Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
If you need to purchase a pair of shoes for your plantar fasciitis below is what you need to look for. Understandably, there are overwhelming factors to consider to buy a pair of shoes, but to ease your pain, we recommend you take these factors into consideration before you decide on your purchase.
The Right Size
Many people purchase shoes that are too small for their feet. Tight shoes can result in other painful foot conditions such as cramped toes or added pressure to the top of your foot. The first thing you need to do is to get your feet sized properly and look for shoes that fit your feet.
Look for Shoes with Good Heel Support
This means you are going to find a pair of shoes with a broad heel base since shoes with a broader heel base can absorb shock better. You also want those shoes to have deep heel cups and that heel cup to offer a lot of support.
Appropriate Arch Support
Just like you want excellent heel support, you also want a shoe that has good arch support. Since the ligament that causes plantar fasciitis runs through the arch of your foot, supporting the arch will help to prevent the ligament from shrinking and will help control inflammation.
Contoured and Cushioned Footbeds
Finding a good pair of shoes with contoured and cushioned footbeds can have a softer impact when your foot strikes the ground, which can relieve or at least prevent some of the pain. The right amount of cushioning combined with good arch and heel support will make your feet feel new while you heal.
Shoes with Rocker Bottoms
Shoes with rocker bottoms are ideal for heel pain because these types of shoes relieve a good deal of stress on the heel allowing the ligament to heel faster. Look for rocker bottomed shoes that have some rigidity in the sole and cushioning in the midfoot section.
Wide Toe Box
Shoes with a wide toe box relieves some of the pain around the toe area and prevent the ligament causing plantar fasciitis from shortening and becoming more inflamed. It also allows you to wiggle your toes, which can release stress on your entire foot.
Removal Insoles
You want to look for a shoe with removal insoles so that you can replace the insoles with orthopedic insoles that your Podiatrist may recommend. Orthopedic insoles may be better suited to relieving some of the pain of this and other foot conditions.
Light Weight Shoes
While you want shoes that have adequate support, you also want the shoes to be as lightweight as possible. Heavy shoes can make your ankles, as well as feet, ache, or experience pain. Lightweight shoes can also make your feet less tired at the end of the long day, making it more likely you will do any exercises your Podiatrist prescribes to help in your recovery.
Sandals or Clogs with Back Straps
If you are choosing to wear sandals or clogs, then choose ones with back straps. This will keep your toes from gripping, causing painful tightening of the ligaments and muscles. Do not wear flip-flops as they will give you no support and may even increase the pain and make your condition worse.
Avoid High Heels
To help your feet heal, avoid wearing high heels. Choose shoes that have no more than 2-inch heel to keep the foot in a more natural position.
Bottomline
If you suspect that you have plantar Fasciitis, visit a podiatrist and get treatment as soon as possible. There are stretches and other exercises that can help you relieve some of the pain of this condition and heal.
For example, calf stretches can help to stretch muscles and relieve pain. Rolling a tennis ball under your foot is a great way to gently that ligament back out, massage some of the pain away, and speed up the healing of your foot and heel. Heel raises are another exercise that has helped many people heal from it as can toe taps.
There are 9 home remedies for Plantar Fasciitis to help you heel faster. If your heel pain does not improve, visit your doctor. By following your Podiatrist’s advice and wearing the right shoes, your feet will more liklye to recover from Plantar Fasciitis faster.
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Austin is the author of loveatfirstfit.com and a personal trainer with extensive knowledge in nutrition. Austin is passionate about helping others to find a suitable healthy lifestyle and feel good about themselves. Austin’s goal is to help people push their limits and achieve their physical performance.
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
